2017 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Share Thanksgiving is Building Community, One Meal at a Time.

Engage Nova Scotia is launching its fourth annual Share Thanksgiving campaign in Halifax today, September 6th, encouraging Nova Scotians to open their homes – and share their dinner tables – with newcomers to the province.

Originated as part of a national program in 2014, Share Thanksgiving has been successfully pairing host families with new immigrants to Nova Scotia, outpacing participation in other regions of Canada year-over-year.

“Nova Scotians have stepped up – and continue to step up – in support of newcomers to our province,” said Engage coordinator Hailey Vidler. “Welcoming people to your table for a Thanksgiving meal is a tangible step towards building stronger, more vibrant and diverse communities. With good food comes good conversations, and lasting friendships can result.”

Nova Scotians interested in hosting a family for Thanksgiving dinner can submit their information online. The same goes for those interested in participating as guests from the newcomer and immigrant communities throughout the province. Matches are made based on geography, family-size and other criteria.

Past participants say that the simple act of sharing a meal has created lasting change in their lives.

Sherifat Onabanjo and her family immigrated to Halifax from Nigeria in August 2016. She participated in Share Thanksgiving last year with her husband and two children.

“It was wonderful. We learned so much from the family we met. They’ve been wonderful; we’ve gone from being friends, to being like family. They opened their hearts and their home to us.”

This year, Engage Nova Scotia is thrilled to partner with Sobeys Inc., who is celebrating its 110th anniversary as an integral part of Nova Scotia communities.

They join organizations like Pier 21, ISANS, the province’s universities and others, who play a key role in helping to deliver this program each year.

“Sobeys is proud to partner with Engage Nova Scotia to bring Share Thanksgiving to communities across the province,” said Paul MacLeod, Vice President, Atlantic Store Operations for Sobeys. “For 110 years, Sobeys has brought families together around kitchen tables to celebrate many occasions; Thanksgiving being one. Share Thanksgiving is an opportunity to invite even more families to come together to share a meal and to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our families and our communities.”

In addition to families hosting dinners in their homes, four Sobeys stores in Nova Scotia will host community dinners in their community rooms. Management and staff at stores in Halifax, New Minas, Antigonish, and Sydney will prepare and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with newcomers and immigrants from their respective communities. Additionally, Sobeys will be assisting with promotion of Share Thanksgiving to continue to grow this important program.

To learn more about Share Thanksgiving and to sign up as host or participant visit sharethanksgiving.engagenovascotia.ca